Get fit, get active with Vivacity gyms

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, getting fitter and healthier or losing a few pounds is a popular choice for many people. It is also a resolution that can be given up on too easily. We talk to Vivacity Gym Manager Natasha Ellis who gives us advice on putting together a plan and sticking to it

Getting started…
From the beginning it’s important to set yourself realistic targets and goals. We’ve seen many people set themselves a crazy weight loss target and get disheartened when they don’t get anywhere near their goal. It’s much more motivating to set smaller goals that are achievable. Set yourself a few days a week that you know you can make it to the gym or a class. Incorporate it into your timetable so it doesn’t interfere with your schedule. If it’s not a hassle to do the exercise then you are more likely to stick with your new routine. Try and clear your cupboards of naughty Christmas leftovers. It’s a good idea to plan your meals in advance so that you aren’t tempted with unhealthy options.

What sort of activity is right for you?
Choose something that you enjoy doing. There’s a lot of variety, which means it doesn’t need to get repetitive, which also keeps you interested and motivated. Whether you like swimming, dance classes, weight training or doing your own thing in the gym, there really is something for everyone. If you start to get bored of the same routine, then mix things up and try something new to replace the activity you’re not enjoying. The instructors at Vivacity are always on hand to assist you and to give you advice on what’s on offer.

What are the advantages of being a member of a gym rather than going alone?
Signing up to a gym is the first step to committing to make a change. At Vivacity, we always have fully qualified staff on the gym floor and in the studios, so there are a lot of people who can encourage and advise you, and whose expertise you can completely trust. If you aren’t going to a gym it’s easy to make excuses and just not bother to exercise. There’s also a great social side to it; the gym and studio events bring people together who perhaps wouldn’t normally meet. When you become a member at Vivacity, we take everyone on the Vivacity Voyage [see over the page] where we can help people set smart goals and think about ways for the gym to fit it into their lifestyle – as a part of their life, not just an add-on.

Is the gym suitable for anyone, or do you have to be fit to begin with?
What we do now is provide classes and gym programmes that cater to all levels. We’d recommend looking at the class descriptions as they give an indication of difficulty. With all of our classes on the normal timetable, our instructors will provide options for making exercises less intense. We also offer other options too. I was with the Nordic Walking group just this morning and it was all ages, all abilities enjoying the fresh air with an instructor. There are also GP Referral classes, catering to people who are wanting to improve their fitness even if they have been knocked back by an illness or have a medical condition to deal with.

What are the common reasons for giving up and how should people overcome them?
The most common reason is that they no longer have time to go to the gym. We would strongly advise that from the outset you put time aside that you can stick to and compliments your existing routine. If you are a morning person try going to the gym before work so you start your day off well, or if evenings suit you take your kit with you to work, and choose something that you can do on your way home. You are far more likely to go to the gym if you don’t go home first, get settled and have to go back out. We also find that if you sign up with a friend you are more likely to keep to your routine. We see lots of people motivating each other, especially if one person is having an ‘off ’ day. What’s important to remember is that if you have a slip up, whether it be over indulging with food or not exercising for a week, it doesn’t matter. Get back on track, start again and don’t see it as a failure. Don’t give up!

Top tips from two of Vivacity’s Personal Trainers
Lisa Rennison and Claire Steels

Be realistic
Don’t throw yourself into a hard training plan that is going to be difficult to stick to. Set realistic targets that you can achieve and then progress, or you may be setting yourself up to fail. Be realistic about your nutrition goals, too.
Don’t forget food
You can’t train with a bad diet and your food intake should be relevant to your goals. Stay away from fad diets – starving yourself will only cause increased weight gain in the long term once you resume old eating habits and can be detrimental to your health. A food diary is a great way of staying in control of your food.
Be prepared
Know what you are going to do every time you come to the gym. If you know that you are going to be out all day, prepare a healthy meal and snacks which you can take with you to prevent you from buying unhealthier options when you are out and about.
Keep it varied
Our bodies adapt really quickly – that’s how we get stronger, fitter and quicker. The downside is that if we don’t keep our workouts varied they can also become less effective.
Something is always better than nothing
We hear the question all the time: ‘If I can only get to the gym for half an hour, is it worth it?’ Yes, it is worth it! You can get a lot done in half an hour and it keeps you in the habit of exercising

www.vivacity-peterborough.com/sport

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